Baroona Estate, [Paddington/Auchenflower], 1885 (Map of the Week)

State Library of Queensland has an extensive collection of historical maps of Queensland, some of which have been digitised and can be viewed online.

Baroona Estate, 1885. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

This real estate map from 1885 advertises 189 allotments of land for sale at the Baroona Estate, which is today part of the Brisbane suburbs of Paddington and Auchenflower. There is a discrepancy between the map and newspaper advertisements for the sale, which report 215 allotments being available.

The auction also featured the sale of Baroona House (allotment 69) on Howard Street. This residence still stands today and was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992.

Baroona, a residence in Paddington, Brisbane, 1886. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 62754

Prior to the sale extensive publicity was published in Brisbane newspapers.

“Every allotment in the Estate has a gradual slope on account of the formation, which consists of a ridge inclining gently on each side thus possessing the inestimable advantage of natural drainage. Though of easy access the elevation which it attains enables the spectator to command a series of views which are extremely picturesque and charming” (Brisbane Courier, November 28, 1885).

Advertisement from Queensland Figaro, November 21, 1885

A public auction was held at the ground on the afternoon of November 28 , 1885. The Telegraph newspaper reported the results of the sale.

“Messrs Arthur Martin and Co. report the sale of 107 allotments in the Baroona Estate on Saturday afternoon for the sum of £6,986, and Baroona House, with 1 acre 2 roods and 24 perches of land attached, for the sum of £3,000. Total in this estate £9,986. The attendance was larger than usual, and competition keen, and price realised very satisfactory.” (The Telegraph, November 30, 1885)

A higher resolution image of this map can be viewed and downloaded through our One Search catalogue.